The export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai contributed towards the success of numerous transactions by local firms and factories through network and matchmaking opportunities and support services, which also led to 92 deals being concluded in 2012, a 119 percent increase on 2011.

The recent results underlines the strategic focus of Dubai Exports and its growing role in adding substantial value to the emirate’s gross domestic product.

Of the total value of exports the agency helped realise, AED 2.6bn came from Saudi Arabia, with Morroco the next highest at AED 240m ($65m).

Saudi Arabia was also the leader in terms of number of deals concluded, with 26 percent. Kuwait accounted for ten percent, and Morocco four percent.

Packaging materials and plastics accounted for 35 percent of total exports, with construction material (32 percent) the next highest, and food and electrical goods (11 percent) coming third.

The success of Dubai Exports is partly due to the various exhibitions, trade missions and matchmaking forums it organised which were attended by more than 210 manufacturing and export firms from across Dubai and different UAE free zones.

“Our success also validates the fact that Dubai has the right export infrastructure, competitiveness level and services to be a leading exporter.”

Dubai Exports also helped open new business channels for its member firms, with 43 percent of them entering new markets. The agency cites South America as one of its key focus markets, with Central Asia expected to become a major destination for local firms in the near future.

Al Awadi adds: “Dubai Exports is determined to build on its success and continue to play a strategic role in export promotion by co-ordinating with governments and the private sector in the region and worldwide.

“We will also open new channels and platforms for our members to communicate and collaborate, eventually enhancing the share of exports in Dubai trade.”